McGlynn focusing on football

15 November 2012 01:25

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Hearts manager John McGlynn insists his focus is on football matters as negotiations to secure the future of the Edinburgh club continue.

Last week, when a £450,000 tax bill was revealed and a winding up order was issued, Hearts suggested Saturday's Scottish Premier League clash with St Mirren could be the 138-year-old club's last.
Hearts and Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs agreed this week to a deal to extend the deadline for payment, while the Foundation of Hearts and Supporters Direct Scotland have continued discussions with the hierarchy at Tynecastle over possible future fan ownership.
McGlynn, whose side are without a win in three SPL games, said:

"As the football manager I can only look to the next game. We look to win football matches.

"You can't look too far ahead; it takes the focus off of what is immediately right in front of you.

"We've got to concentrate on the football, which this week's been hard enough because of internationals.

"That's my priority because it's the only thing I can actually control to any extent.
"If you win football matches you can almost accept other things.
It would make it more happy."

McGlynn, who thanked supporters for their backing and investing through the recent share issue scheme, declined to wade into the debate over the club's future.
On Tuesday Edinburgh businessman Alex Mackie, as chairman of the Foundation of Hearts group, revealed Hearts majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov turned down an offer for the club which would help place to it in fans' hands.

"We can't get involved in that; we don't need to know about that," McGlynn added.

"I'm an employee of Heart of Midlothian Football Club and I'm going to do the best I can on a day-to-day basis.

"The people in charge will do the right things for the football club.

"Whatever's best for the football club will ultimately come through. Everyone will have different opinions.

"If you're a fan of a football club you want to have some sort of a say in it."
Romanov has been conspicuous by his absence, but McGlynn was adamant director Sergejus Fedotovas, the Lithuania-based Russian businessman's right-hand man, is a more than capable deputy.
McGlynn, who last spoke to Romanov a month ago, added:

"He's got people who do the job for him. They're doing everything they possibly can. I think they're dealing with the situation very well."

Hearts thanked members of the first-team squad, management and backroom staff for deferring their wages to allay the current financial predicament.
The deferral is considered a contractual amendment and not a rule breach meaning Hearts will avoid further sanctions after being punished for delayed payment of wages earlier this season.
Wages are paid on the 16th of each month, meaning some face a long wait for their next paycheque.

"Some are not going to get paid for six weeks or eight weeks," McGlynn added.

"It seemed like everyone was happy to help out. I don't think it's the entire squad."

Hearts expect a near-full stadium for Saturday's fixture with the Buddies and McGlynn has called on the players to return the fans' support.

"I would hope this kind of situation has galvanised everyone," McGlynn said.

"Hopefully it would add more motivation and incentive for the players. We all need to stick together, we all need to get results together.